<div id="readability-page-1"><div> West African crude oil markets were quiet on Friday.* The West African crude market has been quiet this week, as falling distillate refining margins have balanced out a steadying in freight rates, a trade source said.* Distillate-rich West African grades are sold on a FOB basis, meaning demand can be impacted both by rises and falls in diesel refining margins and freight rates.* Freight rates were also steadying, he added. * TotalEnergies was bidding for a Forcados cargo at dated Brent plus $2.40 in the Platts window, another trade source said.* Meanwhile, Chevron said on Friday it will participate in Nigeria's next oil licensing round and plans to deploy a drilling rig in late 2026 as it seeks to expand operations in Africa's top energy producer.* TotalEnergies has also expressed interest in joining an auction.</div></div>

West African crude oil markets were quiet, with TotalEnergies bidding for Forcados cargo at dated Brent plus $2.40. Falling distillate refining margins balanced steady freight rates. Chevron plans to participate in Nigeria's next oil licensing round and deploy a drilling rig in 2026, while TotalEnergies shows interest in joining an auction.

W.Africa Crude-Market quiet, Total bids for Forcados